LA Roofing Contractor flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Asphalt shingle minimum slope

Asphalt shingles require a roof slope of at least 2:12. Between 2:12 and 4:12, install double underlayment; below 2:12, use a low-slope roof system approved for that slope.

Double underlayment threshold

For asphalt shingles, a roof slope from 2:12 up to 4:12 requires two layers of underlayment overlapped according to code or the shingle manufacturer's printed instructions.

Step flashing placement

Install step flashing at roof-to-sidewall intersections, woven with each shingle course, with at least a 4-inch vertical leg and 2-inch overlap between successive pieces.

Roof ventilation ratio

IRC minimum attic ventilation is 1 square foot of net free vent area per 150 square feet of attic floor area; the ratio may be 1:300 with balanced intake and exhaust vents.

Valley flashing types

Roof valleys may use open metal flashing, woven shingles, or cut shingles. Open metal valleys provide direct drainage and are common in heavy-rainfall areas such as Louisiana.

Standing seam metal slope

Standing-seam metal roofs generally require a minimum slope of 1:4, but manufacturers may permit lower slopes with specific seam profiles and sealants; follow the approved installation manual.

Roof sheathing minimum thickness

IRC roof sheathing is typically minimum 15/32-inch wood structural panel for rafters spaced up to 24 inches on center, with final thickness determined by span rating and fastener schedule.

Ice dam membrane location

Ice-dam protection membrane is required along eaves in areas with a history of ice dams; it extends from the eave edge to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line.

IRC Chapter 9 scope

Chapter 9 of the International Residential Code regulates roof assemblies, including roof covering materials, flashing, drainage, and attic ventilation requirements for one- and two-family dwellings.

ASTM D3462

ASTM D3462 is the standard specification for asphalt shingles made from glass felt and surfaced with mineral granules; it sets physical and performance requirements for those shingles.

UL 790 fire rating

UL 790 tests roof covering fire resistance and assigns Class A, B, or C ratings. Class A offers the highest protection and is often required in wildfire-prone or code-specified areas.

Wind uplift test standards

Asphalt shingle wind resistance is commonly evaluated under ASTM D7158 or ASTM D3161. The resulting classification indicates the design wind speed the shingle assembly can resist.

Roof plan slope notation

Roof slope on plans is written as rise:run, such as 4:12, meaning 4 inches of vertical rise per 12 inches of horizontal run. Slope differs from pitch, which is rise over span.

Plan scale interpretation

A drawing scale such as 1/4 inch = 1 foot means one quarter inch on the printed plan equals twelve inches in the actual building; verify scale before measuring dimensions.

Roof plan symbols

Ridge lines show the highest intersection of roof planes, hip lines slope downward from a ridge, and valley lines show where two roof planes meet internally to channel water.

Fastener schedule meaning

A fastener schedule specifies nail or screw type, length, diameter, and spacing for each connection. Roof sheathing commonly uses 8d nails at edge and field spacing set by code tables.

LSLBC roofing license

The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors issues specialty licenses, including roofing, for qualifying contractors. License classification and project value thresholds determine when a license is legally required.

Written change order

A change order is a written document signed by owner and contractor that modifies scope, price, or schedule. It prevents disputes by documenting agreed changes before work proceeds.

Louisiana Private Works Act

The Louisiana Private Works Act governs mechanics' liens and privilege claims on private construction projects. Contractors and suppliers must meet notice and filing deadlines to preserve lien rights.

Certificate of insurance

A certificate of insurance summarizes a contractor's general liability, auto, and workers' compensation coverage. It lists policy limits, insurer, insured name, and expiration dates for verification.

Retainage purpose

Retainage is a percentage of each payment withheld by the owner until project completion. It protects the owner against incomplete work, liens, and punch-list items.

Home improvement registration

Louisiana requires home improvement contractors to register with the state for certain residential projects within specified dollar ranges. Registration is separate from a specialty contractor license.

Workers compensation requirement

Louisiana employers with employees must carry workers' compensation insurance or qualify for an approved self-insurance plan. Roofing contractors should verify coverage before starting any job.

Contract scope clause

A scope-of-work clause defines exactly what the contractor will furnish and install, including materials, removal, cleanup, and exclusions. Clear scope reduces disputes and unpaid extras.

OSHA fall protection height

OSHA construction rules generally require fall protection when workers are exposed to falls of 6 feet or more. Roofing work commonly uses guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems.

Ladder setup angle

Extension ladders should be set at a 4:1 ratio: one foot of horizontal distance for every four feet of working height, and extend at least 3 feet above the landing.

Personal fall arrest anchorage

Personal fall arrest systems require an anchorage capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per worker, a full-body harness, and a lanyard or deceleration device limiting fall forces.

Guardrail height

Standard guardrails have a top rail about 42 inches above the walking surface and a midrail at approximately 21 inches, with toe boards where materials may fall.

Warning line distance

On low-slope roofs, a warning line is often placed at least 15 feet from the roof edge to designate a controlled work area, but it is not a substitute for fall protection where required.

Power line clearance

Keep ladders, scaffolding, and conductive tools at least 10 feet away from energized overhead power lines; higher voltages require greater clearance under OSHA table rules.

Nail gun safe practice

Never point a nail gun at any person, disconnect the air supply before clearing jams, and keep fingers clear of the firing path. Use the trigger type specified by the manufacturer.

Heat illness prevention

In hot Louisiana weather, provide drinking water, scheduled rest breaks, shade, and acclimatization for new workers. Recognize confusion, cramps, and fainting as warning signs.